RUGBY fan Desiree Todd is packing her bags for the trip of a lifetime.

The UMIST student has been picked to join the British Lions rugby team's official cheerleaders for their tour of Australia. Optometry student Desiree, 19, is a huge rugby fan despite playing four other sports herself.

She had to be. To become a Lioness - or official cheerleader - she had to not only look the part and be able to dance and sing, but also prove her knowledge of the game.

''I never dreamed I would be selected,'' she said. ''There were so many people wanting to be Lionesses. But now I am one, I'm really looking forward to it. The tour should be the experience of a lifetime.''

Desiree, originally from County Antrim, is a talented sportswoman in her own right. She represents her country at table tennis, has competed in the Pony Club's Prince Philip Cup and represents her university in both hockey and rowing.

More than 400 rugby fans from all over the British Isles applied for a place on the Lionesses' trip to Australia.

Thirty two were shortlisted for an audition in London where they were put through their paces in a gruelling dance routine by Posh Spice Victoria Beckham's choreographer, Kevin Adams.

They were also asked to sing their favourite rugby chant and were then quizzed on their knowledge of rugby. Seven of the eight finally selected were female and former Sale Rugby Club player Gareth Reynolds, from Scotland, became the envy of his team mates when he was selected as the only male Lioness. He is currently hooker for London Scottish.

The Lionesses are sponsored by online travel agent Expedia and managing director James Vaile said: ''Gareth was just too good at the auditions to leave out of the team. He got a lot of stick from his mates about applying for the position, but since being selected he's been roaring with laughter.''

The cheerleaders will be ''on tour'' for more than three weeks, taking in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.